MUSCAT: The festival of Vishu is usually celebrated with a lot of fanfare. But for the second time in a row, it will be celebrated within the homes of the Malayali expatriate community in Oman.

The New Year festival of the south Indian state of Kerala typically sees a lavish sadhya (meal) prepared. However, many Malayalis have opted for a low-key Vishu. “Last year too there were no celebrations due to the pandemic and nothing has changed since. We will have sadhya at home with family,” said Madhavan Nair, a Muscat-based expat. Kerala celebrates Vishu on April 14.

For Nair who has been living in Oman for the last 22 years, all festivities would strictly be limited to close family members. “Even Onam we celebrated closed doors. It’s painful as we Malayalis are known for celebrating these festivals with much fanfare but the pandemic has spoiled it all. To be safe, to survive this pandemic is the biggest blessing,” Nair who hails from Alappuzha in Kerala said.

Meanwhile, retailers witnessed high footfalls on Tuesday evening. “The first day of Ramadan and Vishu coincides on the same date so there was rush but we followed all the social distancing measures,” a manager at a top supermarket in Muscat said.